PST: I am a native of Louisiana, born in Lake Charles I've lived in Lafayette, Houma and Sulphur but my permanent home is in Iowa where I attended school since 5th grade.

WRP: Have you ever won any contests? Tell us about that experience.

PST: Yes! As a member of Coeur de Louisianne a RWA chapter in Alexandria, Louisiana, I won the 1999 "Diamond in the Rough" and the 2000 "Ruby" awards. In 2001 I received my RWA Pro Pin.

WRP: When and why did you begin writing?

PST: I began penning stories in 5-subject notebooks while preganant with my daughter who isnow 26 and a mother of two (no, she hasn't started writing yet that I know of LOL!) I've always been an avid reader and after being disappointed one-too-many-times, I just KNEW I could do better. Turns out writing WELL is not as easy as one might think.

WRP: How many books/stories have you had published?

PST: To date I have 5 full length novels and 5 short stories published. I also have numerousarticles, essays, poems, and devotionals in various publications.

WRP: How long does it take you to write a book?

PST: On the average, a first draft takes me about 6 months to write - that is when life allows me to do so. I had one short story take nearly a year to complete LOL!

“They say that life begins at forty.”

Rebecca Sinclair rolled over and pulled the covers up to her chin. “Boy is that ever far from the truth,” she muttered, realizing that here she was on the downhill side of thirty-nine and counting the hours with dread and fear of what the next year would bring. “If this year is anything like the last one, I might not make it.”

So much had happened in one short year beginning with the death of her husband. The day started out like any other, an ordinary day in the ordinary, everyday life of Jim and Rebecca Sinclair. Only it ended far from ordinary when Jim’s car skidded off the road into a ravine. Investigations later reported that a massive heart attack and not the accident had taken his life.

She still couldn’t believe it, a heart attack. At forty-one, Jim seemed to be the picture of health. He’d always taken excellent care of himself, eating right and exercising. Work hard, play hard, and live right had been his motto, and he’d done just that. Right up to the end.

Fighting back memories and tears, Rebecca tried desperately to snuggle in the too cold bed and to concentrate on the happier times of the past when she’d looked forward to turning forty. When I turn forty, my youngest will be eighteen and out of school, and I’ll be through raising kids! How many times had she said that, laughing and carefree, looking forward to the day?

(from The Inheritance)

WRP: What is your writing schedule like?

PST: Since I work full-time, I write in the mornings and on weekends. Evenings are spent checking email, promoting or watching TV with hubby.

WRP: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

PST: Unlike many authors, I don't listen to music while I write. Instead of inspiring, songs distract me. Background noise (like the tv or radio on in another room) is ok, but I must have quiet in my office.

WRP: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

PST: Reading is still my favorite pasttime.

WRP: What does your family think of your writing?

PST: My family supports me wholeheartedly, many purchase every title.

WRP: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

PST: Nora Roberts - I love her penchant for detail and description.

WRP: Do you have any advice for other writers?

PST: Never give up! Writing is a talent and gift from God, don't bury your talent or hide your gift under a basket.

WRP: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

PST: Yes, I'd love to take this opportunity to THANK each and every one of you for your love and support ~ may God continue to bless you abundantly.

WRP: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

PST: I'd like to take a moment to send up a special prayer of Thanks to my Lord and Saviour for the blessings in my life.